Introduction

The Skoda Rapid is an entry-level sedan that was launched in India in 2011. The Volkswagen Vento and the Rapid share the same platform. The Skoda Rapid is the first entry-level sedan available in India from the Czech car maker. There are two engine variants available including an automatic transmission. The Rapid competes with the Honda Amaze, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Verna. For 2014 the Skoda received a minor facelift.

Design & Styling

The exterior design follows a very clean cut European design and you can tell the strong influence Volkswagen has on the overall design. The Car is based on the same platform as the VW Vento and they both share the same design. There are sharp line accentuated by a few curves and a nice front grille with strong headlights. The car doesn’t look muscular, but it does look modern and nice. For 2014, the Rapid now features a new logo on a newly design radiator grille and the headlights and it gets more chrome. There are also new alloy wheels. There is also an Elegance trim that includes black alloys, black fog lamps, black grille, black wing mirrors, and black housing for the new projector lamps.

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Interiors

The interiors are again very clean and simple. Everything seems to be in place and the ergonomics are decent. There is a decent amount of space for the passengers, but rear passengers could have been given a little more legroom. The seats are very comfortable and the driving set up is very good. Some might say that the interiors are a little boring and uninspiring but the two-tone colour is nice and the dashboard is also simple and pleasant.

Engine & Transmission

The Rapid comes with a1.6 litre petrol and a brand new 1.5 diesel engine. We drove the diesel engine and it’s a very well refined engine. You get a good power output of 103bhp and lots of torque at 250Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is an option for an automatic transmission in the 1.6 litre petrol variant, but the diesel engine also has the option of a 7-speed DSG auto gearbox, made by VW.

Performance and Handling

The Rapid is a decent performer on city streets, but once you are on the highway you understand just how good the car is. With the diesel engine you get lots of torque and its perfect for overtaking and initial acceleration. In the petrol variant you don’t get the same acceleration. There is however a big turbo lag in the diesel engine but once you get past it the car really moves quickly. The suspension setup is also very good and the car glides over the highway. It is also very comfortable in the cabin and even at high speeds you feel very comfortable and confident. The only problem we feel is that the brakes could be stronger, gear changes could be smoother and the steering a little more engaging, other than that everything seems pretty good. With the new DSG transmission though the car performs very well and the transmission is quite brilliant with precise shifts whenever needed.

Fuel Efficiency

The diesel variant is decent on its fuel efficiency and you can expect to get around 14 to 15kmpl on average. The petrol variant will not be so kind.

Features

The Skoda Rapis now comes in a Leisure edition that has added features. Standard equipment is climate control, power steering, power windows and a built-in audio player. In addition to that the Leisure version now comes with portable navigation system, rear camera and leather seats. The car also now gets cruise control.

Safety

Quality & Reliability

The overall quality of the Skoda Rapid is good. The exterior finishing touches and panels are nice and the interiors are also of good build quality. The dashboard is nice and sturdy and the engine is well engineered. However the diesel can be a little loud and does shake. The car is quite reliable but many people have had issues with the electrical components in the car.

Value for Money

The Skoda Rapid doesn’t give you the best value for money. don’t get me wrong, it is a nice car, but it seems that the petrol variant is seriously underpowered and the diesel not built to well, but with great performance. There should have been a better interior package for the price of the car which you are paying.

Verdict

If you are looking to get the Rapid make sure you opt for the diesel. It gives you a better driving experience and saves you on fuel. However you might want to scope out the market for better products and better deals.

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5 Skoda Rapid User Reviews

The base version of this expensive care does not have basic necessities like airbags, CD players, power windows, fog lamps, alloy wheels etc. where most of the features are available in base version of Dzire and many more in the top end version of the same. If I am spending 10 Lakhs then I have the right to get all the features. Its not fair to segregate models based on features and the higher one goes the more features one will get for an additional handsome amount. This is not fair and it defies all logic and that is why Rapid pales in comparison to cars of its range. Not a value for money car.

It is one of the best vehicle, in terms of road stability, driving pleasure, ergonomics, engineering etc. I am saying this since I am associated with the famous Japanese brand for almost two decades and this can be at par with Japanese brands.

Vehicle is good but engine noise is loud at both inside n outside when compared to other diesel vehicle Fiesta, Desire n Verna. At 2nd &amp; top gear the pick up is not immediate, very slow to achieve overtake speed. Suspension is not that much good but same like Fiesta.

Diesel Ambition is a pleasure to drive though outside engine noise is loud compared to Dzire Diesel. Got the first car in Chennai and loving it especially on the highway with sufficient power for overtaking at will. This is going to take the Indian market rapidly

ENGINE IS GOOD.
BUILDING QUALITY IS GOOD.
REAR SEAT LEG ROOM IS O.K.
AT FIRST SIGHT, LOOKING NICE.
HANDLING IS TOO GOOD.
Other parameters will be given in future.
Today only booked in TAMIL NADU, SALEM, S7 SKODA DEALER ,NOW U CAN BOOK IN ONLINE.

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